Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the rich, dense texture of brownies, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent. This recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a delicious treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a baking marathon at home, trying to find a unique way to incorporate bananas into a dessert that wasn’t just banana bread or a smoothie. The result was these Banana Bread Brownies, which have quickly become a favorite in my household. The addition of brown butter frosting adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the sweet banana base.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Brown Butter Frosting:
1/2 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. This will ensure the bars don’t stick and are easy to remove once baked.
2. Make the Batter
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Add Bananas and Vanilla:
Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until the bananas are fully incorporated into the batter.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Blend for about 1 minute until everything is combined and the batter is smooth.
Fold in Walnuts:
Stir in the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the brownies.
3. Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
4. Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting
Brown the Butter:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook until the butter turns a delicate brown color, giving off a nutty aroma. This process takes about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
Make the Frosting:
Remove the browned butter from the heat immediately.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the browned butter. Whisk together until the frosting is smooth and has a thick but pourable consistency. It should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than traditional frosting.
5. Frost the Brownies
Using a spatula, spread the brown butter frosting over the warm banana bread brownies. Spreading the frosting while the bars are still warm makes it easier to achieve a smooth, even layer.
Allow the frosted bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
Variations and Substitutions
Nuts: Swap out the walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut to the batter for additional flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make these brownies gluten-free.
Healthier Version: Substitute half of the butter in the batter with applesauce to reduce the fat content. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, combining the best aspects of banana bread and brownies into one irresistible dessert. The moist, banana-infused base topped with rich, nutty brown butter frosting creates a unique and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is appealing because it’s versatile and easy to make, allowing you to customize it with different add-ins and substitutions to suit your taste. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation process make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special, Banana Bread Brownies are sure to hit the spot. Their delicious flavor, combined with the comforting familiarity of banana bread and the indulgence of brownies, makes them a standout dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful bars!